Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu condemned the murders of three people at US Jewish institutions on Monday, saying they bore the hallmarks of anti-Semitic attacks.

"We condemn the murders, which according to all the signs were committed from hatred of Jews," said a statement from his office, which added that Netanyahu had sent condolences to the victims' families.

"The state of Israel, together with all civilized people, is committed to fighting this pestilence," Netanyahu said.

A gunman, a former member of the KKK, shot three people dead Sunday at a Jewish community center and a retirement community in Kansas, drawing widespread condemnation and consternation on the eve of the week-long Jewish festival of Passover, which starts at sunset on Monday.

The suspect was heard yelling "Heil Hitler" as police officers escorted him away at an elementary school, local NBC television affiliate KSHB reported.

US President Barack Obama condemned the "horrific" shooting, and pledged the federal government's "full support" in the investigation and to the community.